6 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Alabama
Gina is a licensed real estate salesperson, experienced trainer, and former high school educator of 1,000+ learners. She writes for Fit Small Business with a focus on real estate content.
This article is part of a larger series on How to Become a Real Estate Agent.
Obtaining and maintaining your Alabama real estate license isn’t as easy as yelling “Roll Tide!” To earn your temporary license, you’ll be required to complete 60 hours of prelicensing education. You will need another 30 hours of post-licensing education to get your permanent license. Online real estate courses for Alabama offered by national and regional providers make these requirements, and those required for continuing education or broker prelicensing, easier to meet.
After researching dozens of real estate schools in the Heart of Dixie, we’ve determined the best six options that provide high-quality content, reasonable pricing, and course format variety to expedite and excel your educational experience.
- Kaplan: Best for self-paced prelicensing education for aspiring new agents
- Colibri Real Estate: Best in variety of learning environment formats for new and ongoing licensing education
- Alabama Real Estate Institute: Best for those who need the most affordable real estate licensing education for every stage of your career
- The CE Shop: Best customizable continuing education for license renewal and reciprocal education for out-of-state agents
- PDH Academy: Best in prelicensing education with bonus courses for future agents seeking classes with real-world application
- MY Real Estate School: Best for experienced agents who want to upgrade to a broker’s license
School | Education Provided & Starting Price | Learning Formats | Pass Guarantee | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Prelicensing: $299 CE: $29 Exam Prep: $99 |
| N/A | Phone, email, and live chat |
 | Prelicensing: $319 Post-licensing: $169 CE: $29.95 Exam Prep: $99 |
| ✓ | Phone and email |
 | Prelicensing: $260 Post-licensing: $186 Broker licensing: $295 CE: $30 Exam Prep: $129 |
| N/A | Phone and email |
 | Prelicensing: $299 Post-licensing: $179 CE: $29 Exam Prep: $119 |
| ✓ | Phone, email, and live chat |
 | Prelicensing: $340 Exam Prep: $99 |
| ✓ | Phone and email |
 | Prelicensing: $299.99 Post-licensing: $189 Broker licensing: $349.99 CE: $98 Exam Prep: $99.99 |
| N/A | Phone and email |
Things you need to know before enrolling for your Alabama real estate license education: Along with education requirements, there are additional steps to completing your real estate licensure. Check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Alabama to get started.
Kaplan: Best for Self-paced Prelicensing Education
Overall Score:
4.26 / 5
What We Like
- Self-paced
- Reasonable price
- Instructor access
What's Missing
- Post-licensing and broker education
- Variety of course formats
Additional Features:
- Six months of course access
- Refund within 30 days of purchase
- Live components
- Courses written by real estate professionals
- Customer review rating 4.2 out of 5-stars
- Accredited by Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC), and AREC
If you’ve got a busy schedule but still want to squeeze in your online real estate education, Kaplan is a great choice for you. The entire 60 hours of required Alabama prelicensing education is available to you in a variety of tiered package options.
You can choose from a basic package with just the required hours, or higher tiers that include exam prep and live webinars with classmates and instructors. Kaplan stands out from other programs because they have expert faculty who write and teach the material, and who are available for live student support.
The majority of students found that Kaplan’s self-paced courses fit perfectly into their lifestyle and highly recommend the live virtual components. Several students were unhappy with the lack of technical support they received when having connectivity issues, so if you’re looking for more customer support, try PDH Academy.
Pricing
Kaplan provides tiered packaging, but on a simpler level than providers like Colibri Real Estate, which makes it easy to pick your courses but also get the extent of help you need.
Prelicensing: Starting at $299
- Tier 1: $299 Basic package includes 60 prelicensing hours
- Tier 2: $329 Basic package includes 60 prelicensing hours plus exam prep and live webinar
- Tier 3: $529 Career launcher package includes 60 prelicensing hours and includes exam prep, live webinar, and live intensive course
Continued Education: Starting at $29
- Available for salespersons and brokers
- Prices range from $29 to $69 based on credit hours
- Classes available in OnDemand and online formats
Exam Prep: $99
Colibri Real Estate: Most Course Format Variety
Overall Score:
4.09 / 5
What We Like
- Live stream and self-paced options
- Instructor Q&A
- Post-licensing and continuing education available
What's Missing
- No broker’s prelicensing available
- Pass or don’t pay guarantee not available in Basic package
Additional Features:
- Can purchase individual courses
- 6 months of course access
- Exam preparation with simulations
- 90-day boot camp program
- Real estate eBooks included
- Customer review rating 4.3 out of 5-stars
- Accredited by ARELLO, IDECC, and AREC
Whether you’re self-motivated or need an extra push, the course format varieties available from Colibri Real Estate provide the educational support you need to get your real estate license in Alabama. If you feel you can tackle the requirements on your own, the self-paced courses allow you to navigate the classes and contact instructors for support only if you need it.
Meanwhile, the live stream courses can help hold you accountable by engaging with classmates and dedicated instructors. Both course formats have the unique add-ons of “Smart Bites” for retention assistance and classroom interactivity through the Colibri Real Estate Learning Management System (LMS).
Some students praised the knowledge and accessibility of the instructors while others found the flash cards and glossary disappointing. If you’re looking for additional downloadable materials to aid your learning, look at The CE Shop.
Pricing
Although the pricing may appear complicated, Colibri Real Estate differs from the other schools in giving you not only a choice of packages but also a choice of individualized courses from which to choose.
Prelicensing: Starting at $299
All packages include 60 prelicensing hours, three ebooks, and instructor support:
- The Basics: $299
- Exam Preparation: $358 includes everything in The Basics plus “Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee” and exam prep
- Exam Preparation Plus: $476 includes everything in the packages above plus 30-hours of post-license courses, dictionary, and instructor Q&A
- Ultimate Learning: $565 includes everything in the packages above plus printed textbook and one-year professional development membership
- Livestream: $565 includes the same features of the “Exam Preparation” package
Post-licensing: $169
- Includes 30 hours of required education and instructor support
Continued Education: Starting at $29.95*
- CE PLUS membership is $147 and includes 24/7 access, all CE courses for Alabama, OnDemand library, 100+ job aids, and an education specialist
- Salesperson and broker education available in bundles for $109.95
- Classes can be purchased individually from $29.95 to $99
*Offered through its partner company, McKissock Learning.
Exam Prep: $99
Pro tip: Start your real estate education today with a special offer for our readers from Colibri Real Estate. Use promo code FSB25 for 25% off your purchase.
Alabama Real Estate Institute: Most Affordable Licensing Education
Overall Score:
3.83 / 5
What We Like
- Licensing education for every stage of career
- Self-paced format
- Exam prep included
What's Missing
- Limited customer support availability
- No course format variety
- Refund policy
Additional Features:
- 6 months of course access
- Real estate posts specific to Alabama events and regulations
- Customer review rating 5 out of 5-stars
- Accredited by ARELLO and AREC
Not only does Alabama Real Estate Institute boast the most affordable prelicensing program, but it also provides affordable continuing education, post-licensing, and broker prelicensing courses for Alabama real estate agents. All of these courses are available through its partner company, The CE Shop, in a self-paced format so that you can learn on your own schedule. Unlike other online real estate schools, Alabama Real Estate Institute includes exam preparation as part of its packages, so you’ll be extra-prepared on exam day at no additional cost.
Although the Alabama Real Estate Institute does not have many reviews, it does have a perfect rating that indicates a great learning experience. As they are completely self-paced, we would recommend Colibri Real Estate or Kaplan if you’d prefer more live interactive features.
Pricing*
The packages provided by Alabama Real Estate Institute are simple compared to other national providers because it only offers limited add-ons and standard course materials.
Prelicensing: Starting at $260
- Package 1: $260 includes 60 hours of prelicensing education, national exam prep, and math calculations
- Package 2: $300 includes everything in Package 1 plus real estate book, flashcards, test-taking tips, and recorded test reviewer
Post-licensing: $186
Broker Prelicensing: $295
Continued Education: Starting at $30
- Classes can be purchased individually from $29.95 to $99
Exam Prep:
- Included with prelicensing course packages
*Offered through its partner company, The CE Shop.
Visit Alabama Real Estate Institute
The CE Shop: Best for Continuing Education & Reciprocal Licensing
Overall Score:
3.73 / 5
What We Like
- Customizable courses
- Downloadable content
- Interactive platform
What's Missing
- A variety of course formats
- Broker prelicensing courses
Additional Features:
- Free course demo available
- 30-day refund policy
- 12 months of course access
- Customer review rating of 4.7 out of 5-stars
- Accredited by ARELLO and AREC
The CE Shop is your go-to online real estate provider in Alabama for continuing education because of its customization. You can choose continuing education courses from a premade package or hand-pick from individual courses unique to The CE Shop to fulfill your Alabama license renewal hours.
In addition, Alabama has reciprocity with all 50 states. So, if you’re already a licensed real estate agent in another state, you can get your real estate license easily in Alabama by completing the reciprocal course provided by The CE Shop.
Many students applauded the ease and convenience of completing courses with The CE Shop, and many were repeat customers. Some individuals wanted more narration within the class materials, so if that is something you’re looking for as well, try Kaplan’s OnDemand options or the live stream format offered by Colibri Real Estate.
Pricing
Similar to Kaplan and Colibri Real Estate, as a national provider, The CE Shop offers tiered packages tailored to your educational needs.
Prelicensing: Starting at $299
All prelicensing packages include the 60 required hours as well as business ebooks, career resources, downloadable resources, digital flashcards, real estate glossary, study schedules, and instructor-led webinars.
- Courses Only: $299 (includes only above items)
- Standard: $359 includes everything in Courses Only plus exam prep and pass guarantee
- Value: $399 also includes everything in the packages above plus a “building business course”
- Premium: $505 includes everything in the packages above plus 30-hours of post-licensing courses
Reciprocal Licensing: Starting at $99
- Course Only: $99 includes only the 6-hour reciprocal course
- Package: $149 includes 6-hour reciprocal course and Alabama exam prep
Post-Licensing: $179
Continued Education: Starting at $29
- Full 15-hour packages can be purchased for $109 for salesperson or broker license courses
- Individual courses can be purchased from $29 to $39 based on credit hours
Exam Prep: Starting at $69
- Salesperson and broker exam packages range from $69 to $119; you can customize your package for the national or state portion or a combination of both
PDH Academy: Best for Prelicensing Education With Bonus Courses
Overall Score:
3.63 / 5
What We Like
- Exam prep course included with prelicensing courses or purchased alone
- Lifetime access to materials
- 24/7 customer support
What's Missing
- Midrange pricing
- Limited course variety
- Refund policy
Additional Features:
- Practice quizzes and simulated exam
- Available on all devices
- Pass guarantee for first exam attempt
- Customer review rating 4.7 out of 5-stars
- Accredited by AREC
PDH Academy may only offer prelicensing courses, but their course package packs a punch. The course package includes exam prep, instructor support, ebooks, practice quizzes and questions, simulated exams and, most distinctly, practical bonus courses. The courses also cover specific topics that will come up frequently in your real estate career: mold, radon, and home inspection. This extra information will give you a leg up when you start in the field as an Alabama real estate agent.
The majority of customer reviews raved about the ease and content of the course, although a few stated that they didn’t pass the exam on the first attempt. If you feel that you need a refresher before exam day, you may consider an exam prep course from Kaplan.
Pricing
Unlike the other online real estate schools in Alabama, PDH Academy only offers one course at one price, and an exam prep course for the Alabama portion of the real estate exam.
Prelicensing: $340
Exam Prep: $99
MY Real Estate School: Best for Upgrading a Broker License
Overall Score:
3.22 / 5
What We Like
- Self-paced learning environment
- Local experienced experts
- Courses for every stage of licensing
What's Missing
- Refund policy
- Tiered packages or add-ons
- A variety of course formats
Additional Features:
- 6 months to complete from purchase (time extension available for an additional cost)
- Customer review rating 4.8 out of 5-stars
- Accredited by AREC
Mark Yarbough Real Estate School, which goes by MY Real Estate School, is a very popular local real estate school in the Heart of Dixie. It offers courses for aspiring and experienced agents in Alabama, but in contrast to many other providers, it also offers broker prelicensing courses for agents who are ready to take their careers to the next level. As with Alabama Real Estate Institute, MY Real Estate School partners with The CE Shop to deliver self-paced content for agents to complete the 60 hours of broker’s education according to their schedule.
There is endless praise online for the instructional team at MY Real Estate School, although one student found difficulty with the material and instructors. If you’re looking for a more “hands-off” approach to your education, look at PDH Academy or Kaplan.
Pricing
Similar to PDH Academy, MY Real Estate School offers only one option for each of its courses. It’s worth noting that its prelicensing, post-licensing, and broker prelicensing courses are also offered in person.
Prelicensing: $299.99
Post-licensing: $189.99
Broker Prelicensing: $349.99
- Offered through its partner company, The CE Shop
Continued Education: $98
Exam Prep: $99.99
- Only offered in person
How We Evaluated the Top Real Estate Schools in Alabama
Earning your real estate license in any state is no easy feat, but the advent of online real estate schools propelled the learning experience to include interactive features, live virtual instruction, self-paced options, and customer service accessibility, right from your favorite spot on the couch. National and local online providers offer Alabama Real Estate Commission-approved (AREC) courses to make sure you fulfill the state’s requirements and are well on your way to starting or continuing a promising real estate career.
Although there are many accredited online real estate schools to choose from, Kaplan is our top overall pick for real estate schools in Alabama, specifically due to its self-paced online prelicensing option. In addition, they offer live components to enhance your familiarity with course material, expert faculty assistance, and reasonable pricing compared to competitors.
Further criteria we used to determine the best online real estate schools in Alabama are:
30%
Pricing
25%
Course Features
20%
Customer Reviews
15%
Expert Score
10%
Help & Support
30% of Overall Score
Based on the cost and availability of prelicensing and post-licensing, continuing education courses, and exam prep for each online institution
25% of Overall Score
Compared the availability of various formatting and learning styles for each course to meet the specific needs of the agent, and ease of course accessibility
20% of Overall Score
Calculated based on customer feedback for each program, with particular attention given to reviews of the product and popularity of the provider to certify the course meets user satisfaction
15% of Overall Score
Expertise in the field and first-hand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate standout features, value for the money, and ease of use for each school
10% of Overall Score
Rated by the convenience and attainability of customer service support for technical support and instructor assistance
*Percentages of overall score
